A Study on Routing Protocols based on their Implementations using GNS3

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Computer engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar university of Kerman

2 Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Dynamic routing protocols play a crucial role in computer networks by providing high throughput, flexibility, low overhead, scalability, easy configuration, and optimal bandwidth and CPU utilization. Organizations select routing protocols based on criteria such as their size, number of users, data volume, policies, needs, and network infrastructure. In this study, we utilize GNS3 software to simulate real-world scenarios to offer a detailed review and comparison of key routing protocols, including RIP, OSPF, BGP, IGRP, EIGRP, and ISIS. Our comparison encompasses protocol type, scalability, convergence time, load balancing capabilities, support for Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM), and metrics. The goal is to assist organizations in making informed decisions when selecting a routing protocol for their network infrastructure by identifying the most suitable and practical protocols for different environments. We present a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of these protocols, enabling organizations to choose the most appropriate one based on their specific requirements.

Keywords